You could also make the argument that there may be a great athlete (or 15) on a team that was in no way capable of making the Worlds trip without a paid bid. So, 5 years from now, would those athletes remember HOW they got there, or would they remember the fun, memories and opportunity they had to go?
I'm of the opinion that morals can't be black-and-white. There will always be an exception to the "rule." I don't think broke, talented kids should miss out because Mommy and/or Daddy can't pay a grand for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.